Operation: Heroes Housewarming Published May 6, 2014 American Red Cross Inland Northwest Chapter FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Throughout the month of May, the American Red Cross is partnering with area Veteran Services Organizations for Operation: Heroes Housewarming. This household goods drive benefits local veterans who have recently transitioned from being homeless to living in safe, affordable housing. The Red Cross and partnering agencies are making great strides in the fight to end veteran homelessness. But while more and more veterans are getting the support they need to move off the street and into permanent housing, many of them make the transition with just the clothes on their backs. The goal of Operation: Heroes Housewarming is to collect basic household items such as cleaning supplies, personal care items (shampoo, soap, razors, etc.), diapers/wipes, and blankets/pillows, to create housewarming baskets that can be given to veterans as they move in to their new homes. The Red Cross is looking for Fairchild's help in supplying these much needed items. In past years, community involvement has been extraordinary, and this year will be no different. The Homeless Veterans Office of Spokane in conjunction with the HUD-VASH program grants housing vouchers to homeless veterans on an ongoing basis, and it is our goal to create kits to hand out with each voucher. Please join us in easing the transition from homelessness into housing for veterans in our community. For more information, contact Dara Bender at dara.bender@redcross.org or Kait Schilling at kaitlin.schilling@redcross.org.